The Christian H. Poindexter/Constellation Energy Group Corporate Leadership Award was established in 2001 to honor the corporation that, through its financial and in-kind support of the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation, most represents the leadership traditions of the Naval Academy and its graduates, and how the corporate reputation meshes with the Naval Academy's mission.

George P. Watt, Jr., president and CEO of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation, said, "We are pleased that Northrop Grumman is being recognized for its vision, leadership and commitment with this very deserving honor. Its generous contributions are an integral part in our efforts to support the Naval Academy's mission of developing the future leaders of our nation morally, mentally and physically. Thanks to corporate partners like Northrop Grumman, we are helping to provide an all-important margin of excellence for the Brigade of Midshipmen."

In the past five years, Northrop Grumman's financial and in-kind contributions to the Naval Academy include:

"The Naval Academy is the education and training center of excellence for some of this country's finest leaders and we are both honored and humbled by this award today," said John V. DeMaso, sector vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman's Naval and Marine Systems Division.

"Although we are one of our nation's premier defense contractors, and we have the brightest minds in the industry designing and building some of the most technologically advanced systems in the world, it is also our responsibility to ensure that these future leaders have this technology in their hands as early as possible."

Organized as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation is structurally distinct from the Naval Academy and managed by an independent board of directors. The Foundation's mission is to provide the incentives and means for alumni, parents and friends to contribute private gifts that benefit the academy and the Brigade of Midshipmen, for which appropriated funds are not available.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense company headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif. Northrop Grumman provides technologically advanced, innovative products, services and solutions in systems integration, defense electronics, information technology, advanced aircraft, shipbuilding and space technology. With more than 125,000 employees, and operations in all 50 states and 25 countries, Northrop Grumman serves U.S. and international military, government and commercial customers.